It's not often an event attracts all ages, cultures, colors and languages. Unfortunately, need was the common denominator as 250 Vallejoans were handed free turkeys and food boxes in the parking lot at the Salvation Army early Monday.

Coupled with similar Salvation Army distributions in Vacaville and Fairfield, some 500 Solano County low-income residents will dine on the popular bird Thursday, said Capt. Jonathan Harvey of the local Salvation Army.

Harvey's wife, Capt. Vickie Harvey, checked drivers in at the Tuolumne Street site at the parking lot entry gate, allowing pre-approved recipients to drive up and have the treasured turkey hand-delivered by volunteers.

The Salvation Army served 100 more county residents than last year and it would have been significantly more if not for budget constraints, said Jonathan Harvey. He added that he paid $5,000 for 300 turkeys, while others were donated.

"If we had unlimited funds, we would easily have doubled or tripled the amount of people without missing a breath," he said. "We can, unfortunately, only do with what we have."

Still, those who secured their place said it was worth the wait.

"When times are hard, that's what makes this important," said "Wanda," pulling up for the food with her 17-year-old son.

"At least I can go to a place that's giving out turkeys in needy situations or times," she said. "You do have to have patience cause if you don't there's a lot of stress, people getting upset, and fights break out and it turns into something really bad and we don't want that."

Another woman, "Lisa," drove up with her three kids.

"I don't know how we were going to have a turkey this Thanksgiving," she said. "This means a lot to my family. Thanksgiving brings unity to the family."

A handful of Salvation Army volunteers seemed just as happy giving out the food as those who received it.

"I have to give back. It's paying it forward," said Catha Renfro of Suisun. "Everybody's needy in some way or another."

Sarah Guarganus of Fairfield volunteered "for the first time, ever," so her daughter Mirah Jackson, 9, would understand what helping others means.

"I love it," Guarganus said. "It's pretty rewarding being able to help people."

Phillip Wilson, 21, is an old pro at volunteering, having done it in one form or other since 5 with his mother.

"It makes you feel good," Wilson said. "You brighten somebody's day and it doesn't take too long. Plus, I believe a lot in karma. Give a little, get a little."

The Harveys' 9-year-old daughter, Mackenzie, assisted her mom in coordinating the check-in. A kid whining the whole time? Not Mackenzie, smiling the entire time.

"I like it 'cause it helps people," she said. "They get food and they won't be starving."

Mackenzie thought about what it would be like to not have a turkey on Thanksgiving.

"I'd feel sad and lonely and disappointed in myself," she said.

The Vallejo Salvation Army is one of four beneficiaries of this year's Community Christmas Card fund drive. Details on how to donate are on Page XXA.